Edwards Targets Saudi Market as Liverpool Prepare Key Player Sales | OneFootball

Michael Edwards and Saudi Arabia: Liverpool’s Strategic Sales Axis for 2025

Behind the Curtain: Michael Edwards Returns to Direct Sales Strategy

Michael Edwards’ return to Liverpool in a senior football operations role has already begun to reshape the club’s approach to the transfer market. While many supporters focus on incomings, it’s the outgoings — particularly those involving Saudi Arabia — that could define this summer’s business.

On The Transfer Show, Dave Davis provided important insight into Edwards’ new remit: “Michael Edwards is handling sales for Liverpool Football Club at the moment.” And the region he’s prioritising? Saudi Arabia.

According to Davis, “Michael Edwards… has been handling the relationship with Saudi specifically.” That line alone suggests Liverpool are preparing for major departures to the Saudi Pro League — and that the club is positioning itself to benefit financially from a market ready to spend.

Saudi Interest in Liverpool’s Forward Line

Two players sit at the heart of this potential shift: Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz. Both have been heavily linked with summer exits, and Saudi Arabia could be the key to unlocking funds for Liverpool’s rebuild. Davis didn’t sugarcoat his prediction: “I’m now going to be surprised if Núñez and Díaz are at the club next season.”

That assertion isn’t speculative. In January, Saudi clubs approached both players, with Davis confirming: “We know how close Darwin Núñez came to ending up going to Saudi Arabia… Saudi clubs asked about Luis Díaz in January.”

Photo: IMAGO

The groundwork, in other words, has already been laid. And under Edwards, Liverpool are not simply listening — they’re actively engaging with Saudi clubs as potential buyers. “Whatever the other issues around it,” Davis noted, “imagine if Saudi gave us a whopping great payment for Núñez and Díaz this summer. I bet Michael Edwards and his chaps would be rubbing their hands together.”

Structuring Smart Deals the Edwards Way

Liverpool are not known for panic sales. Under Edwards, even outbound business is planned with precision — as demonstrated in deals like Philippe Coutinho’s to Barcelona and Dominic Solanke’s to Bournemouth. The expectation is the same this time around.

Davis pointed to the tactical role of Edwards in shaping exits with Saudi clubs: “This is genuinely… so these clubs can be ready for the Club World Cup,” he said, referencing the pressure Saudi Pro League sides are under to improve squads ahead of the 2025 tournament.

With Saudi Arabia hosting the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025 — and two of their domestic clubs already qualified — the league is actively targeting marquee names. That desire, combined with Edwards’ negotiation skills, places Liverpool in a uniquely advantageous position.

Double Deadline Windows Could Accelerate Sales

The Premier League has approved two summer transfer windows: 1–10 June and 16 June–1 September. Davis highlighted how this plays into Saudi Arabia’s plans — and Liverpool’s: “It’s going to have knock-on effects… everything has been brought forward.”

If Liverpool win the title in May, Edwards may waste no time. “Would it surprise you,” Davis asked, “if we win the league, Darwin Núñez does all the waves and gets on a plane to Saudi 20 minutes later?”

It’s not just a quip — it’s a timeline that feels entirely plausible.

Strategic Sales Fuel the Rebuild

With Arne Slot set to reshape Liverpool’s tactical blueprint, big-money sales could bankroll key arrivals. But it’s Edwards’ ability to work markets — particularly the Saudi one — that could make the difference between reactive planning and a proactive overhaul.

As Davis summed it up: “This really does change things. There’s a season end… and five days later, transfer window number one opens.” For Liverpool, with Michael Edwards at the wheel and Saudi Arabia in their sights, the business may be swift and decisive.